Archive: Mar 2011

The U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) 2011 Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) conference concluded Friday with the selection of five quality-of-life issues for referral to the senior leaders of the Army's largest organization for further consideration.

The holiday season may be over, but the spirit of giving is still alive at the Warrior Transition Unit in Vilseck. Volunteers consisting of Wounded Warriors, staff and spouses loaded up a bus with donations and spent the afternoon with children from the DD Plana Orphanage in Plana, Czech Republic, March 4.

In the continuing push to stand up facilities that deliver the best quality of life for Soldiers and their Families, Army leadership opened two Womack Army Medical Center satellite clinics March 9 in Cumberland County. The medical facilities are healthcare as it should be -easy to access, patient-centered, team-based and quality-focused.

Col. James E. Simpson, Army Contracting Command chief of staff, receives a command senior leader coin display from Jeff Parsons, ACC executive director, at his farewell ceremony March 14, at ACC Headquarters, Fort Belvoir, Va. Col. Simpson, chief of staff since July 2010, will soon depart for Baghdad where he will serve as the senior Army contracting official supporting Operation New Dawn.

With BRAC upon us, the delivery of certificate of expected separation letters, and more and more of our co-workers leaving by the day, many Civilian employees and Soldiers are falling into my boat, taking on more and more responsibilities while still trying to balance their personal lives. All I can say is don't pull a "Stabinsky" and get worked out of shape. Pull a "Charlie" and slow down and relax.

Col. James E. Simpson, Army Contracting Command chief of staff, receives a command senior leader coin display from Jeff Parsons, ACC executive director, at his farewell ceremony March 14, at ACC Headquarters, Fort Belvoir, Va. Col. Simpson, chief of staff since July 2010, will soon depart for Baghdad where he will serve as the senior Army contracting official supporting Operation New Dawn. Sally George, deputy chief of staff, will succeed him on an interim basis. Col. Jeffrey Gabbert, Defense Contracting Management Agency, central region commander in Huntsville, Ala., will become the ACC chief of staff in June.

Third Army/U.S. Army Central (Third Army) Soldiers, along with more than 600 National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry, S.C., worked side-by-side with Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) in the Friendship Two exercise Feb. 19 through 28 in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 4,100 U.S. and Saudi Arabian military servicemembers participated in the battalion-level exercise, which tested the maneuvers, tactics, techniques and procedures of both countries' military forces.

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - Senior leaders of the Security Assistance Enterprise met in Muscle Shoals, Ala. for the annual U.S. Army Security Assistance Command off-site March 7-10 to discuss opportunities and challenges in the Foreign Military Sales community.

International Security Assistance Force troops killed more than 30 insurgents in an ongoing offensive operation in the Reg-e Khan Neshin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, during the past two days, military officials reported.

More than 66 years after then 2nd Lt. Audie Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Holtzwihr, France, during World War II, his legacy continues to influence the professional development of noncommissioned officers at Army installations across the United States, and now even in Afghanistan.

Defense Department officials are taking Aca,!A"proactive, deliberateAca,!A? steps to stay ahead of the changing conditions in Japan, while keeping the safety and well being of military Families there always in mind, a DOD official said March 18.

U.S. forces in Japan are engaged in one of the biggest natural and manmade disasters of a lifetime, Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard said March 17. Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, spoke over the phone from Hawaii to the Pentagon press corps about what the U.S. military is doing to help the Japanese Self-Defense Force respond to the disaster caused by the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear emergency.

Paratroopers with the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, along with soldiers role-playing as the Iraqi Army, assault a compound in a search for a hidden weapons cache, during a training exercise, Mar., 17. The 2d Brigade is conducting numerous training exercises as part of a rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La.

Baker's energy and ability to carry a tune that can send anyone's feet tapping are just two of many characteristics that earned her, "Army Band Junior NCO of the Year." The clarinetist with Joint Base Lewis-McChord's 56th Army Band was nominated by her leadership and selected from more than 50 other applicants Armywide.

The Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. has been a driving force in his push
for every Soldier to be resilient and ready for the nation's next war.
To do that, he asked the University of Pennsylvania
and senior Army leaders to design a comprehensive plan that maximizes Soldiers' mettle, mind and mental thinking and focuses on the five dimensions
of strength: physical, spiritual, emotional, social and family
performance levels by providing individually tailored
skill training that leads to a balanced, healthy, self-confident force.

Captain Zach Corke, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Capt. Robert Snyder III, 1st Special Forces Group, and Capt. Derek Noel, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, received the MacArthur Leadership Award for 2010, given each year to company grade officers and warrant officers who live up to General Douglas MacArthur's ideals of duty, honor and country.
"The driving force was to establish an award to recognize the future leaders of the United States Army," Gen. Douglas MacArthur Foundation Executive Director William J. Davis said.

The U.S. military has stepped up to recognize musical excellence in its ranks with the Col. Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award and a U.S. Army Alaska Soldier is one of the first to receive the honor.

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--With every step, Jenna Henderson is going forward into her future.
For a long time, it seemed that proverbial saying "One step forward, two steps back" was coming true more often than not for this military wife, whose life had revolved around her husband's Army career.

A new milestone has been reached as the U.S. Army Public Health Command (Provisional) moves forward to full operational capability. The organization welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald C. Ecker at a change of responsibility ceremony conducted on March 17 at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--Inside theater 6, it was the tears quietly shed among those in attendance that bore testament to the heroic and valiant efforts of those on screen.
Area supporters of Valor Flight gathered Thursday at Monaco Pictures at Bridge Street to raise funds for the non-profit organization. A minimum $25 donation was suggested in exchange for an evening of patriotism and education, which included appearances by the Patriot Guard and veteran re-enactors, as well as the opportunity to view an award-winning documentary about the Korean War.

The Army Sustainment Command Equal Opportunity Office hosted a Women's History Month observance, March 17 at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Course clubhouse.
The observance began with a video presentation highlighting the achievements women have made throughout history. The keynote speaker of the event was ASC's Sgt. Maj. Debra Buie.

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--Thinking about a vacation trip' You might want to travel first to the corner of Aerobee and Patton roads.
That's where you'll find the Leisure Travel Office in building 3711, the newly-renovated Community Activity Center.

FORT SILL, Okla. -- Every year, military cooks from every branch all over the world compete in the military version of "Iron Chef." The 36th Annual Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee, Va., is the largest in the United States. The competition ran Feb. 27 through March 9.

FORT SILL, Okla. -- Four trainers from the Fires Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officers Academy took their expertise to the road when they taught the Advanced Leaders Course to 39 air defense artillery students at Fort Bragg, N.C., from Jan. 7 through Feb. 18.

REDSTONE ARSENAL Ala.--Just the other day, the Gray Eagle was flying 8,000 feet above Hazel Green.
Well, not actually.
The flight was simulated.
Cables and computers connected to a 28-foot-long Gray Eagle stationed in a high-bay area of the Software Engineering Directorate collected data as the unmanned aircraft flew a simulated flight across North Alabama. Engineers tracked its progress on ground control stations, much like what Soldiers would actually do if they were operating the unmanned aircraft in theater.

FORT SILL, Okla. -- The thought of losing a child is unbearable in the minds of parents. For a Fort Sill Soldier and her husband, that thought almost became a reality Jan. 30. That evening, Fort Sill firefighters received word that a 5-month-old female stopped breathing. In one minute, 45 seconds, four firefighters arrived on scene.

The new Integrated Disability Evaluation System streamlines injured Soldiers' benefits. The program, set to begin within the next month, partners the Department of Defense with the Department of Veterans Affairs where responsibilities overlap.

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker Survivor Outreach Services staff continues its efforts to spread the word about the Never Forgotten Card to Family members of fallen servicemembers and local area businesses.

The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP) will safely destroy 2,611 tons of mustard agent in mortar rounds and artillery projectiles stored at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot.
Neutralization followed by biotreatment is the technology selected by the Department of Defense to destroy the Pueblo chemical weapons stockpile.
The Program Manager, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (ACWA), headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland is responsible for managing all aspects of the safe and environmentally sound destruction of the chemical weapons stockpiles in both Colorado and Kentucky.
The Bechtel Pueblo Team, a partnership of Bechtel National, Inc.; Washington Demilitarization Company/URS; Parsons; and Battelle Memorial Institute, is the systems contractor selected to design, build, systemize, pilot test, operate and close PCAPP.

Fort Monroe, Va. - General Martin E. Dempsey, commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, will depart here Monday to become Chief of Staff, Army, at the Pentagon during an 11 a.m. ceremony in Continental Park hosted by Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., the current Chief of Staff, Army. Gen. Dempsey has commanded TRADOC since December 2008, and was confirmed by the United States Senate during a vote March 16 to become the next CSA. Gen. Casey has been CSA since April 2007.

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Modern communication seems to work like magic for the end-user; the press of a power button, the click of a mouse, or the strike of a key and messages send or receive in an instant. And even in areas as austere as Afghanistan, instant communication exists, in part, due to the Soldiers who run the cables.

When Brianna Leahy took the chocolate cake with strawberry buttercream frosting out of the box, the children in the project room at the Fort Carson Youth Services Center abandoned their paintings, knitting and drawings to line up for a slice.

Camp Casey, Korea, probably doesn't top the list of honeymoon destinations for most newlyweds, but spending theirs deployed to Southeast Asia in 2003 was just part of the unique journey shared by Majors Robert and Renee Mann. Serving in Army careers that have taken them around the globe, sometimes together and sometimes apart, the two officers will celebrate their accomplishments in a dual promotion ceremony at the Pentagon on March 11.

Jeff Parsons, executive director of the Army Contracting Command, announced today his intent to establish a new Contingency Support Center to coordinate and manage all command support to contingency operations both within the U.S. and overseas. According to Mr. Parsons, "The key to achieving this goal is to better synchronize enterprise-wide efforts and to more effectively leverage the expertise and talent we have across the command."

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Military and civilian leaders of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) met on post Thursday to praise the Army Emergency Relief program and to kick off another year of military-led giving at Fort Drum.

<b>What is it' </b>
2010 was a big year for Army business transformation efforts. The Secretary of the Army, supported by the Office of Business Transformation completed many efforts that will propel the Army into an even more successful 2011. The report details FY 2010 business transformation accomplishments including the development of an <i> integrated management system (IMS) to assist leaders make better resource-informed decisions;</i> the implementation of the Business System Information Technology Strategy for <i>effective use of our Enterprise Resource Planning Systems enabling the Army to get people, equipment, and resources to where we need them most; </i> and progress on the Army business initiatives.

Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Soldiers and Family Members, enthusiastic and ready for some togetherness, challenges and fun, turned out in numbers for the inaugural Fitness First: The Amazing Race on March 12.

A Soldier from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade was awarded the Army Aviation Broken Wing Award, March 7, at Hunter Army Airfield. Chief Warrant Officer 3 James Hagerty, a Black Hawk pilot and safety officer for 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd CAB, received the award for his actions in Afghanistan when his aircraft experienced an engine failure.

Whether Alpha Company is stomping Delta Company in ultimate football, Echo Company is barely beating Bravo Company in soccer, or a bunch of kids are seeing who can jump the highest in a bouncy castle, everyone can agree that an organizational day for Soldiers and Families is a great way to get together.

Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield hosted its bi-annual Regional Information Sharing Forum, March 9, providing a platform for community leaders to share information that directly impacts Soldiers, Family Members, civilians and retirees.

As the weather starts to warm up, the 632nd Maintenance Company, 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), is beginning to cool down. After 10 months of hard work, it's time to start preparing to head back to Fort Stewart, Ga.

FORT JACKSON, S.C.-- Earlier this weekend, I found myself sitting on the floor at 9:30 p.m., surrounded by photo clippings and holding a pair of scissors, wondering whether I had a small photo of my dog to add to a family collage I was making to take to my son's day care room.

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Soldiers and family members from the surrounding community are taking advantage of a Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation program that certifies them as lifeguards and whips them into shape at the same time.

The Fort Jackson Army Substance Abuse Program, which traditionally addresses issues of alcohol and drug abuse, will expand its programs by offering a six-week stress and anxiety reduction class, scheduled to begin Wednesday.

As markets worried about unrest in Libya and other parts of the Middle East, crude oil prices hit a 2 1/2 year high last week, with prices surging to more than $100 per barrel. Those rising global fuel prices have wide-reaching effects across the U.S. economy, including implications for the Department of Defense.

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Recently we opened the Family Life and Resiliency Center and took another major step in providing the Soldier and his or her family members - as well as DA civilians - the most advanced and comprehensive resiliency programs the Army offers.

As the transition approaches for Afghan forces to begin taking responsibility for security in their country, actions in the coming months will have consequences for years to come, the commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan said here, today.

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- For the second time in three years, members of IMCOM Europe have won both awards in both categories of the Army-wide competition for the Secretary of the Army Publications Improvements Awards.

Researchers, educators, family advocators and survivors of traumatic brain injury testified March 16 before the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, during what was dubbed "Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill."

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has authorized up to $35 million in initial Defense Department funds for humanitarian aid to Japan, and to pay for the voluntary departure of eligible family members from the island Honshu to the designated "safe haven" of the United States.

The click and clack of high heels against the hardwood floors resonates as she enters the room. With poise and purpose, she directs herself past those in attendance to the podium - instantly commanding a level of attention and awe usually afforded to presidents and other nations' leaders. The room becomes deathly silent as if the audience is holding their breath in anticipation, only exhaling as the silence is broken by the simple uttering, "Hello, I'm Michele Jones."

SUWON AIR BASE, South Korea - Leaders, Soldiers and families from the 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery celebrated the conclusion of exercise Key Resolve with their Republic of Korea military and civilian counterparts during the annual Key Resolve Victory Day here March 12.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Katherine Hammack and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics Terry A. Yonkers spent March 9 and 10 touring the installation, talking to Soldiers and Airmen and identifying best practices.

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- Three noncommissioned officers stationed on Fort Huachuca were recently inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club. The SAMC is an elite organization comprising of NCOs who have demonstrated performance and inherent leadership qualities and abilities characterized by those of Sgt. Audie Murphy.

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- This year's 2011 Military Intelligence Command Sergeants Major/Sergeants Major Conference was all about getting back to the basics. One hundred fifty-four MI command sergeants major, sergeants major, first sergeants, master sergeants and retirees attended the three-day conference held March 8-10 on Fort Huachuca. The vast majority of attendees traveled from installations around the world, including those in Korea, Hawaii, Germany, Belgium and more.

Under the auspices of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, ANCA and depot officials have trained with state and six area counties' Emergency Management Agency officials and staff to be prepared if there was an incident involving the local stockpile of chemical munitions. Yearlong efforts culminated in an annual community exercise every spring. The 2011 exercise, involving hundreds of federal, Army and state players and evaluators, was held March 2.